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Summary: A noble effort to that falls short of greatness
Review: Brokaw has performed commendably here, and his attempt to recognize the efforts of an entire generation is in its way ennobling, but it falls short in some ways. With the exception of a few long pieces the sketches are too sketchy and appear as if Brokaw were attempting to jump on a popular band wagon set in motion by efforts like Spielberg's "Private Ryan," which he refers to in the work. It may not be possible to credit a generation for the greatness of an era, whatever that means. He makes it appear as though the major accomplishments of the era occurred as a result of the entire generation's unified efforts. It ain't necessarily so, Tom. Brokaw's weakness may be one endemic in his own profession; that is the weakness of the sound bite and the tendency to treat complex issues superficially. In other words the book suffers from the weaknesses inherent in the "infotainment" industry. Though it is no doubt sincere, it is not history. The treatment of men like Bush and Inouye and Dole is good, however. It is flattering to be placed in "The Greatest Generation." His fine sketch of Andy Rooney perhaps gives us a clue to the weakness of the work as a whole. But better to have it than not to have it.
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Summary: A must read for the baby boom generation!!!
Review: This book helps us baby boomers understand many of the actions of our parents. As products of the Depression, they knew hardships that for us have only been chapter headings in books. We and our children will never know those hardships that they endured. By the same token, we cannot know the fear that they must have faced on December 7, 1941, when the previously "impenetratable" United States was attacked. As horrible as that act was, it was the one act that solidified that generation and also seems to be the thing we Baby Boomers search for every night on the evening news. There has been no single news event since then to equal Pearl Harbor. Despite the realisitc fighting displayed every night on televisions across America during the VietNam War, nothing can compare to that hellish attack on Pearl Harbor and all that it did to solidify this nation. My only criticism of this generation is their failure to see quickly enough what was going on in Germany to eliminate all that was not Aryan. Similar criticisms will be levelled at our generation in years ahead when it comes to Bosnia, Africa and China. While I agree with Mr. Brokaw that this generation has little to be proud of in the area of race relations or women's rights, no generation since then can be equalled in ite zeal for service to country, community and family.
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Summary: A Little Perspective Would Help.
Review: Tom Brokaw has written a decent book about a generation of Americans worthy of accolades. But "the Greatest Generation?" What century? What planet? In the 18th century, this lucky country had Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and all the rest of what we now (appropriately) reverently call the "Founding Fathers." In the 19th century, over 600,000 Americans died putting an end to slavery and the fundamental schism within our country. And in the 20th century, we had the generation of leaders, including FDR and Ike and MacArthur and George Marshall, who led Brokaw's so-called "greatest generation" to what is, without question, the extraordinary accomplishment of defeating facism.This is not meant to denigrate WWII vets. On the contrary, they were great. But they followed in the footsteps of at least equally great men, and (one may hope) they will, in turn, be followed by great men. And, by the way, if this generation born in the 1920s was so great, how did they end up raising this "boomer" generation that is so regularly chastised? The boomers have got faults, as we've been reminded yet again at the very top of government, but didn't their folks -- the so-called "greatest generation" -- have something to do with raising them?
Rating: 
Summary: Should be required reading for Baby-Boomers and offspring
Review: Rarely has a book been able to capture the essence of a generation like "The Greatest Generation". Being the son of a WWII veteran and the nephew of a Silver Star recipient,I can attest to the fortitude and quiet courage these people displayed. Mr.Brokaw conveys his message in a strong but subdued manner without overdramafication. It seems as if he is well aware that the stories these brave people have to tell are dramatic and suspenseful enough without having to resort to the sensationalism that is so prevelant in todays' journalistic writings. I especially liked the way Mr.Brokaw intertwined regular everyday Americans with those of some notoriety and fame. In closing, I found this to be a very powerful book and came away with a renewed sense of respect and awe for the generation that had to go from the Great Depression almost immediately into a world war.
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Summary: Admiration and Ambience
Review: The greatest think about the greatest book about the people of the greatest generation and not simply the history of that generation is the admiration that Tom Brokaw carries for the people he writes about. He does not treat it as some sort of NBC project or assignment he was sent to do by producers. He talks about it as a person who is in admiration of the topic and is learning about these people with us. His learning process is our learning process. He wants to share it with us. The book clearly emphasizes Mr. Brokaw's journalistic intelligence and savvy, that when mixed, can only be described as ingenious.
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Summary: Joe Sixpack at his best.
Review: Common men, doing uncommon things.This theme is sprinkled throughout Tom Brokaw's book "The greatest generation". After reading it I realized why. Its twenty something Joe Sixpack at his best. The people portrayed in this collection of partial biographies show what the human spirit is capable of when faced with an overwhelming task. These men and women sacrificed for a common cause, the country was truly united.They display as much patriotism,unselfishness, and faith in God today as during World War II, if not more.The book is not only on the war and its hero's, there are stories of the struggle of women on the homefront taking jobs left vacant by men going to war. Also, the stories of African American soldiers fighting a battle on two fronts, one against Hitler the other against a racist military, are particularly compelling. Foot soldiers, medical troops, flying aces its all here in an extremely readable text. The stories are separated out so it can be picked up and read off and on at ones leisure. The likelyhood of putting it down too often is remote. As a twenty two-year-old college student, I am keenly interested in what my grandfather, a WWII veteran, might have been involved in. My grandfather, like most veterans in the book, does not furnish his past war experiences freely. I can read this book and discover what he and others of his generation, the "greatest generation", endured.
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Summary: Character describes the people in Brokaw's book.
Review: If there is one word which comes to mind as I read Brokaw's book it was the word "character." What is lacking in our culture is character. It seems that character emerges from a culture which has experienced great hardship, deprivation, danger and the overcoming of great odds. Our generation (baby boomers) has had everything given to it. We expect it and feel that effort and challenge and hard work are unacceptable. As a result ours is a generation lacking "character."
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Summary: I Got To Read The Stories My Dad Wouldn't/Couldn'Talk Of!
Review: I had seen Mr. Brokaw with Tim Russert, talking of the book. I started crying. I knew "The Greatest Generation" was a "must read". It took forever to read the first 40 pages ( couldnt see thru the tears ) I am a 49year old USMC Nam veteran. I thought I "had gotten" it. After reading "The Greatest Generation", I now know I wasn't even close to "getting" it! My dad spent 18 months in Northern Italy. Whenever I asked, he would kinda smile and talk about the troop ship trip home! He then would tell me his brother had more time overseas than he had in the service, go talk to him! My uncle served 40+ months in the Pacific & Aleutian Islands. 40 months overseas and my uncle would talk about a Fillipino he had befriended. My grandfather, who rode with Pershing and served in WW1 wouldnt/couldnt talk about it either! I now understand a little bit better! Mabe I am starting to "get it". Tom Brokaw graphically relates uncommon valor & values by common people! Americans who stood/stand up and took/take responsiblity by the horns. My gosh, where are todays heroes that do this ? This really isint a book about war, but an insight into the lives and the perseverance of a generation of Americans ! What saddens me is that America will probablly never have another WWII era American as President. What saddens me even further, after reading this book, is the night and day difference between then and now. I do feel some kinship with the WWII generation, because this country don't owe me a thing ! I owe it everything! I owe them everything! My daughter recently put on a Christmas show at a Veterans hospital. She related that a WWII Medal of Honor winner was introduced, and the vets went nuts, saluting, cheering ! My daughter didn't quite understand. I had just finished "The Greatest Generation"..I explained the vets reaction to the Medal Of Honor winner to her. My daughter now wants to read this book! You know what ? She'll "get it" too!
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Summary: This is destined to be an American Classic
Review: This is a touching book that touches the very core of what it is to be an American. It is something the people of younger generations should read to realize how good we have it and how the World War Two generation persevered and literally saved the world. This book is testimony to rugged individualism, morality, honor, and duty--and makes the reader realize how silly some of our "beefs" with world today really are. Like Stephen Ambrose, my hat is off to Tom Brokaw for putting together this superb collection about the Greatest Generation! Read it and tell someone from the World War Two how much you appreciate their sacrifice!
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Summary: Excellent book that is eloquently written.
Review: Tom Brokaw does a wonderful job of highlighting the lives of the heroes he includes in the book. In an age where no one seems to be held responsible for their own actions, Brokaw shows the incredible commitment, bravery, and responsibility that the WWII soldiers (both men and women) showed during the war and in their lives after the war. The book is a valuable history lesson as well as a lesson for the future. You will want to make this book a permanent part of your library collection.
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